So you're wondering about World Series Game 2? Smart question – considering how many moving parts there are between tickets, schedules, and TV coverage. As someone who's missed first pitch twice because of timezone confusion, let me break this down proper.
Official Game 2 Date & Start Times
The exact date for Game 2 shifts yearly based on the MLB postseason schedule. For 2023, Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled for:
Event | Date | Start Time (ET) | Ballpark |
---|---|---|---|
World Series Game 2 | Saturday, October 28 | 8:03 PM ET | Globe Life Field (Arlington, TX) |
Three critical notes about timing:
- All World Series games start between 8:00-8:15 PM ET regardless of location
- If Game 1 runs long or gets rained out, Game 2 shifts accordingly (check MLB alerts)
- West Coast fans - that's 5:03 PM PT, set reminders accordingly!
Last year I showed up 45 minutes late thanks to daylight savings confusion. Don't be me.
How to Watch World Series Game 2
TV & Streaming Options
Fox exclusively broadcasts all World Series games. Here's how normal humans actually watch:
Method | Requirements | Free Trial Option? |
---|---|---|
Traditional Cable/Satellite | Fox channel access | No |
YouTube TV | $73/month subscription | Yes (7-day trial) |
Hulu + Live TV | $70/month subscription | Yes (3-day trial) |
MLB.TV | Does NOT show live World Series games (blackout restrictions) | N/A |
Pro tip: Bookmark the MLB.TV login page even if you can't watch live there - they post full game replays 90 minutes after final pitch.
Radio & Audio Options
- ESPN Radio: National broadcast (find local affiliates)
- MLB App: Home/away team feeds with subscription
- SiriusXM: Channel 89 for home broadcast, 80 for away
Ticket Information for Game 2
Getting into World Series Game 2 requires strategy. Primary market tickets vanish instantly, so secondary markets dominate:
Platform | Price Range (2023) | Fees | Delivery |
---|---|---|---|
MLB.com Verified Resale | $450 - $2,500+ | 15-20% | Mobile transfer |
StubHub | $400 - $3,000+ | 10-15% buyer fee | Instant download |
SeatGeek | $380 - $2,800+ | 10-20% included | Mobile/PDF |
Ballpark Box Office | $250 face value | $0 | Physical only |
Honestly? Face value tickets are near impossible unless you know season ticket holders. I overpaid by $300 last year waiting until game day.
Stadium Specifics
For 2023, World Series Game 2 happens at Globe Life Field:
- Address: 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington, TX 76011
- Gates Open: 5:30 PM CT (2.5 hours before first pitch)
- Parking: $40-75 via SpotHero, cash NOT accepted
- Bag Policy: Clear bags only (max 16"x16"x8")
Historical Context & Trends
Why does everyone care so much about Game 2 specifically? Because history shows it's pivotal:
- Teams winning Game 2 after losing Game 1 have won the Series 44% of time
- Since 2010, Game 2 has averaged 5.2 more total runs than Game 1
- The home team has won 12 of the last 15 Game 2 matchups
Remember 2011 when the Cardinals won Game 2 in extra innings then rallied to win it all? Yeah, that's why this matters.
Memorable Game 2 Moments
- 2022: Phillies' Bryce Harper hits 2-run HR in 10th for comeback win
- 2017: Gurriel's racist gesture toward Darvish overshadows Astros win
- 2009: Matsui's record-tying 6 RBIs at Yankee Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
What if World Series Game 2 gets rained out?
They'll postpone to the next available day. All ticket holders retain entry rights. Check MLB.com for weather updates starting 3 hours before first pitch.
Has Game 2 ever been canceled completely?
Never in modern history. Even during 1989 earthquake, they delayed but completed the Series.
What time does batting practice start?
Typically 4:45-5:15 PM local time for Game 2, but only for early gate entrants.
Can I watch World Series Game 2 for free?
Only via antenna in Fox broadcast areas. Streamers require subscriptions (though free trials work).
How long do World Series games usually last?
Game 2 averages 3 hours 28 minutes since 2018 - plan accordingly!
When should I arrive at the stadium?
Minimum 90 minutes early for security lines. Traffic peaks 2 hours before first pitch.
Postseason Schedule Context
Understanding when Game 2 of the World Series lands requires seeing the full chessboard:
Round | Start Window | Games Before WS |
---|---|---|
Wild Card Series | Early October | Best-of-3 |
Division Series | Mid-October | Best-of-5 |
Championship Series | Late October | Best-of-7 |
World Series Game 1 | Last Friday of October | - |
World Series Game 2 | Next day (Saturday) | - |
This rhythm means Game 2 consistently falls on that last Saturday of October. Unless there's a scheduling nightmare like 2020's bubble season.
Predicting Future Game 2 Dates
While MLB won't confirm until September, here's the pattern:
- 2024: Likely Saturday, October 26
- 2025: Projected Saturday, October 25
Why so predictable? MLB avoids NFL Sundays and Mondays. Saturdays maximize audiences.
Why Game 2 Matters More Than You Think
Casual fans focus on Game 1 or clinchers, but scouts obsess over Game 2 because:
- Teams adjust pitching rotations after Game 1 results
- Bullpen usage patterns become established
- Road teams must win to avoid 0-2 deficit
- Lineup changes reveal managerial tendencies
I once saw a manager burn his ace reliever in Game 2 trying to avoid 0-2... they lost in 5 games. Strategic nightmares unfold here.
Tools & Resources
- Official MLB Postseason Schedule (real-time updates)
- StubHub (secondary ticket tracker)
- 506 Sports (TV coverage maps)
Bookmark these - they've saved me countless times when researching when is Game 2 of the World Series details.
Final Reality Check
Look - if you're scrambling week-of trying to figure out when World Series Game 2 starts, you've already lost. Savvy fans:
- Set Google Alerts for "World Series schedule" in September
- Request vacation days once LCS matchups solidify
- Book refundable hotels near both potential host cities
The exact date for Game 2 of the World Series? Always that first Saturday after the pennant winners are set. Mark your calendars early.